My favorite comic and actor has passed away. The loss of such a talented and unique individual, one who has touched my life in so many ways over so many years, is really beyond words to describe. I was shocked to hear the news; it really threw me for a loop.

First, it should be noted that I have a general dislike for celebrities. I consider most of them vacuous and inane. They get paid ridiculous amounts of money for what they do, but they are the equivalent of court jesters. Despite this fact, we assign them a status better left to those with truly valuable impact, like teachers, scientists and civil rights advocates — folks far more deserving of celebrity.

My point? I never felt this way about Robin Williams. Never. He added value to the world, made it a better place, a happier place. Maybe he just touched a certain part of my heart and mind. I loved every movie and show he ever did. I grew up watching Mork & Mindy (and yes, I saw the lead-in on Happy Days). I laughed my lungs out during Aladdin. I practically peed my pants seeing him with Jonathan Winters doing improvisation.

And talk about a long list of memorable films: Good Morning Vietnam, Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams, Bicentennial Man, Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, and of course my personal favorite, Hook. Admit it, he was Peter Pan; that wasn’t acting – the acting part was when he was a grown-up in the beginning.

The man was laughter unbound. You could see it overwhelm him during interviews. It just poured out. Every interview I ever saw made me smile. He radiated merriment. His face was eternally charmed, on the edge of smiling, even when sad. He seemed literally made to bring happiness into life, for adults, for kids, for everyone. His voice alone made you want to smile.

I know he suffered from addiction and depression. I felt for him. I guess I considered it the price he had to pay for his incredible gift. I feel for his family now, and wish them only happy thoughts and memories. He will be missed.

My sorrow comes from the fact that the world will be a sadder place without him. But it is said that “The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long.” I’m sure his fans would agree – his amazing light burned ten times brighter than most, so maybe we should be grateful he was with us for so long.

It is a sad truth. Of course, it doesn’t help that the world is resistant to creativity, which makes these struggles even more acute. Again, we should be grateful for those that continue to contribute creatively, despite the price they pay.